Potato Review

www.potatoreview.com POTATO REVIEW JULY/AUGUST 2021 13 EVENTS: NPI AWARDS 2021 A FTER seeing somany events cancelled over the past year, the promise of two live events speci cally for those in the potato industry, taking place side-by-side in November, has come as welcome news. ose who have already booked tables for the National Potato Awards onNovember 24th have said they’re looking forward to attending the event while also inHarrogate, Yorkshire, for the BP2021 show. “It’s something to look forward to on the rst night of the show, particularly for those who’ve travelled there and can network with fellow show-goers over drinks and dinner in the evening,” said Juliet Loiselle, Publisher of Warners Group Publications, which has organised the event. “Whenwe held our inaugural event in 2019, we decidedwe’d continue to liaise with Steve Wellbeloved, organiser of BP2021 so the events couldwork in harmony, andwe were thrilled by the response we received to that rst event.” Being a biannual event has been an advantage in light of the COVID-19 outbreak and the resulting lockdowns, she said. “It must have been heart-breaking for those who booked tickets to events last year, not to mention the organisers who’d put in somuch e ort and hardwork, to have to cancel and we’re lucky that 2021 was ‘our year’,” she said. While tables are lling up for the awards dinner, whichwill celebrate achievements in all sectors of the potato industry, while paying tribute to all those nominated by fellow growers and work colleagues, there are still plenty of places left for those who’d like to attend, she stressed. “We realise there’s some reluctance to commit because of the uncertainties regarding COVID-19, but we’ve taken every stepwe can to ensure the event meets with required stipulations, and can assure all those interested that we’re fully on target to hold our celebratory event.” Even in the unusual event of a cancellation, all paymentswould be fully refunded, she added. Editor of Potato Review, Stephanie Cornwall, urged everyone involved in the potato supply chain to consider putting forward an entry for the 2021 awards andnot to be deterred by the entry processwhich she said is easy andquick todo. “It doesn’tmatter howslick the entry is, it’s the actions and innovations themselves, and what they’ve contributed to the potato sector, whether that’s a goodpractice others can learn from, an innovation that’s streamlined or quickened a process or something else you feel deserves recognition,” she said. “It’s been a tough old year, with the challenges of Covid-19 andBrexit to contendwith, and we’re so looking forward to being able to nally hold a live event wherewe can celebrate all the potato industry has to be proud of.” SteveWellbeloved, organiser of BP2021 , is also a supporter of the awards, and said it o ers those at the show the chance to celebrate and networkwith others fromthe industry. JamesHaskell, one of the best-known rugby players in theUK, will be guest speaker at the NPI Awards 2021 . Having played 77 times for his country, aswell as playing around theworld and for the British and IrishLions, James is known asmuch for his ability on the eld as his personality o it, andhas appeared on shows including I’mACeleb, eChase, ALeagueOf eir Own, QuestionOf Sport andFightingTalk. e second National Potato Industry Awards will be held at theOld Swan inHarrogate on November 24th. Tickets cost £125 per place, or £1,200 per table and include drinks, reception, a three-coursesmeal and the chance to listen to a talk andmeet JamesHaskell inperson. Make it a date! Live awards night o ers the chance to network and let your hair downwhile attending biannual trade show. ere are six award categories in total: If you require guidance on what kind of qualities and information the judges will be looking for, and how to put together an entry, please email Juliet on the email below. INNOVATIONAWARD CAN you tell us about a piece of agri-tech, a new research method, a timesaver within the storage, washing or sorting processes, or a grower practice that’s helping improve yield, pro ts or day-to-day practices / time management? We’re keen to hear about any innovations that are already providing a positive impact within the potato supply chain or you feel could be a game-changer for the future. ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD e NPIA2021 Environmental Award recognises outstanding individuals and organisations from any sector of the potato industry who’ve contributed in some way to the protection of the environment and/or the promotion of sustainable practices. Any grower, advisor or company demonstrating best practice or stewardship initiatives is eligible for the award, as well as companies and suppliers who have introduced a practice or product that has made a notable impact on environmental performance. We want to hear about the greenest businesses, growers, advisors and suppliers so that we can recognise and reward change across all aspects of purpose-driven sustainability, social impact, the countryside or community. MACHINERY AWARD MACHINERY that has simpli ed or improved eld operations from cultivation and planting to harvesting, as well those used for handling and grading, is a key contributor to the success of our UK potato industry, and the darling of all those looking to save time, improve quality and maximise pro tability. So what machinery has been introduced to the market over the past two years that has made a notable impact? What reasons and feedback can you give about its contribution to growers, suppliers, packers or retailers? MARKETINGAWARD MARKETING campaigns aren’t always readily acknowledged within the potato industry as they are frequently taken for granted, but where would we be without those timely reminders, solutions and advisories that seem to pop up when they’re most needed? is award aims to reward the most e ective marketing strategies, companies and people, showcasing the industry’s most innovative and groundbreaking campaigns and the nest minds. Whether it’s used for innovative packaging, novel branding, new varieties, consumer in uence, seasonal activities, or new-to-market products, we want to hear your recommendations. GROWER AWARD Do you know a grower who stands out for some reason - whether it’s a business achievement, a diversi cation, good practice that’s set a precedent, length of service or a contribution to the industry or community. Can you nominate a grower you think deserves recognition for their e orts or achievement or would you like to put yourself forward for something you are proud of and would like to share? Tell us what you feel is noteworthy about this individual or enterprise. AGRONOMIST AWARD WE all know an agronomist who has gone above and beyond with their e orts and advice, whether it’s been working with individual growers or part of a collaboration over the past two years. Can you nominate someone you think deserves recognition for their e orts or achievements? Would you like to put yourself forward for something you are proud of and would like to share? If so, let us knowwhat you feel is noteworthy about this individual agronomist or agronomist’s consultancy and why you think this nominee merits special recognition by submitting an entry for the Agronomist Award in the 2021 National Potato Industry Awards. Deadline for entries is September 1st. For further information, and to enter any of the above, please visit www.potatoreview.com/national-potato-industry-awards. Simply ll in the online form on our website (https://www.potatoreview.com/national-potato- industry-awards/enter) or email publisher Juliet Loiselle (Juliet Loiselle (JulietG@warnersgroup. co.uk )for further details, advice and a form. www.jameshaskell.com TRAINLIKEAPRO This year’s event takes place at Old Swan in Harrogate on November 24th Kevin Keegan was a huge hit as guest speaker at the 2019 inaugural awards. James Haskell is this year’s celebrity speaker.